What is the meaning of Revelation 22:14? Blessed are those - Scripture’s very first word here—“Blessed”—echoes Psalm 1:1 and Jesus’ Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–11), underscoring God’s joyful approval on obedient people. - The blessing is not vague good fortune; it is covenant favor that cannot be earned yet is tangibly experienced. - Contrast: Revelation 22:11 warns that the unrighteous remain unrighteous; verse 14 shows the joyful opposite—people whose standing has been transformed. who wash their robes - The cleansing is spiritual, not laundry. Revelation 7:14 clarifies: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” - Salvation is personal: we must choose to come under Christ’s atoning blood (1 John 1:7). - Practical takeaway: repentance and ongoing confession keep our “robes” bright, demonstrating authentic faith (James 2:22). so that they may have the right to the tree of life - The phrase “have the right” speaks of legal access granted by God through Christ (Romans 5:2). - The tree of life first appears in Eden (Genesis 2:9). Sin barred humanity from it (Genesis 3:22–24), but Jesus restores what Adam forfeited (Revelation 2:7). - Eternal life is not a mere length of days; it is unbroken fellowship with God, begun now and consummated in the New Jerusalem (John 17:3). and may enter the city by its gates - The city is the literal New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21. Its twelve gates (Revelation 21:12–13) symbolize full, secure access for God’s people. - Only those cleansed in Christ enter; “nothing unclean will ever enter it” (Revelation 21:27). - Jesus Himself is the gate (John 10:9). Coming through Him brings safety, belonging, and eternal citizenship. - Today, believers enjoy bold access to God’s presence in prayer (Hebrews 4:16) as a foretaste of walking through those radiant portals. summary Revelation 22:14 promises tangible blessings to people who turn to Christ for cleansing. His blood washes their spiritual robes, granting them legal right to the tree of life and open entry through the New Jerusalem’s gates. The verse affirms that eternal life and heavenly citizenship belong literally and exclusively to those who trust and obey the Lamb—inviting us to live now in the purity, assurance, and hope that flow from that finished work. |
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